In celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the biggest fashion showdown of Zamboanga's very own haute couture Mascota de Zamboanga has come back after a year of absence due to the pandemic. This year, the theme is "SIEMBRA," inspired by the lush flora biodiversity of Zamboanga City. 19 of the Zambo's best couturiers created their best interpretations of a Mascota inspired by plants, ranging from various concepts, from foilage, to flowers, up to the grandest garden and landscapes. 

Among the 19 entries, Geronie Labora's "Sierra Madre" claimed the top spot, becoming this year's Grand Champion. Geronie also won in 2015 "Traje de Boda" and 2016 "Ethnic-inspired" Mascota de Zamboanga competitions. She is also the grandslam winner of the Festival de las Bellas for 5 consecutive years. 

Geronie Labora's Mascota interpretation of "Siembra" is inspired by the mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre. It features a forest in the sleeves and huge leaves for the cola with three-dimensional details that resembles parts of a plant or it could also be seen as the mountain ranges. In her Facebook account, Geronie expressed her haute couture creation follows the proper silhouette of a classic Mascota. "The sleeves and panuelo should never be too big but it should be just the right size. It should compliment the body of the lady wearing it. Seen in the photos is the proper folding of the panuelo in the front and in the back."

"The overall design of the Mascota should also match from head to foot, that's why they also call it the Philippine Terno. The details on the blouse should also be seen on the skirt." The Mascota will never come to life with the right señorita wearing it. Shaira Arasad exemplifies a Filipina with class and elegance. She carries the Mascota with grace and charm that makes the overall appeal of the creation more impactful.

Credits to Roy Guilly RGphotography for the beautiful portraits and MsChesca Mua Cris Stone for the hair and makeup.

In celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the biggest fashion showdown of Zamboanga's very own haute couture Mascota de Zamboanga has come back after a year of absence due to the pandemic. This year, the theme is "SIEMBRA," inspired by the lush flora biodiversity of Zamboanga City. 19 of the Zambo's best couturiers created their best interpretations of a Mascota inspired by plants, ranging from various concepts, from foilage, to flowers, up to the grandest garden and landscapes. Congratulations to the winners of this year's competition as part of the #SafeHermosaFest celebration!

1ST PLACE: “SIERRA MADRE”

The Hermosa Photography Competition is one of the final events of the month-long festival. Photographers, both amateur and professionals, have captured the colors of the festivities and it's time to pick the best photos and give it a shot in this competition. This year, the theme is "Mas Alegre Ahora Na Zamboanga" which means "It's more Fun today in Zamboanga". There are five categories: Bailes y Canciones (Dancing and Singing), Mascota de Zamboanga, Parade of Lights (Float Competition), Regatta de Zamboanga and Streetdance Competition. All entries will compete for the Top 5 Grand Prizes and if they don't make it, finalists or the top entries will be chosen per category. Here are the finalists and grand winners of this year's Hermosa Photography Competition.

BAILES Y CANCIONES CATEGORY FINALSTS:

41. “Alegre el Sol”
Jose Mari Katipunan (@jmkatipunan)
Nikon D5300 (ISO 400, 1/125, f/5.6)
“The man in the photograph represents the Sun. His happiness is to be the light of his people.”


35. “The Golden Smile”
Jesus Normel R. Alfanta (@jesusalfanta)
Canon 80D (ISO 100, 1/200, f/5)
“A beautiful well designed costume for the opening of the Hermosa Festival. This young lady was caught by my lens with her lovely smile. Indeed it’s a hot afternoon with the heavy costume on her head but she still project with a Golden Smile.”


79. “Adornao”
Ramil G. Valente (@ramilgarciavalente)
Samsung Galaxy J5 (ISO 64, 1/190, f/1.9)
“It took me a while to better compose my subject with the use of my mobile phone. I shot at low angle to capture the intricate design of this man’s sari-manok inspired costume and waited for him to make the composition interesting.”

MASCOTA DE ZAMBOANGA CATEGORY FINALSTS:

43. “Nuestra Mascota”
Jose Mari Katipunan (@jmkatipunan)
Nikon D5300 (ISO 400, 1/125, f/6.3)
“Represents the fierce, beauty, and leadership of a true Zamboangueña.”


24. “Resiliente Zamboangueña”
Roy Fernando (@roydfernando)
Canon EOS R (ISO 100, 1/20, f/1.4)
“The people of Zamboanga City believes that there’s a light in every darkness. They have the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties and trials with their underlying faith to the La Virgen del Pilar that gives them hope and aspiration.”


51. “GEM of the NIGHT”
Danica Rose L. Tubilla (@nikkinanoot)
Canon EOS 1000D (ISO 1600, 1/400, f/2.5)
“The Beauty of art that never changes and the smile of every priceless woman.”

PARADE OF LIGHTS(FLOAT COMPETITION)CATEGORY FINALISTS:

47. “City Hall Meets City Hall”
Clarence M. Dabasol (@clarence.dwg)
Go Pro Hero5 Black (ISO 400, 1/35, f/20)
“A City Hall inspired design illuminated float that signifies landmark and history of Zamboanga City captivates the eye of Zamboangueños during the parade of lights event.”


169. “Alegria en Colores Dinamicos”
Christian G. Quilalang (@chanquillx)
Fujifilm X-T20 (ISO 640, 1/2, f/5.6)
“The vibrant and dynamic colors speak about the joyous celebration in Zamboanga City. As a photographer, using slow shutter speed and external flash excites me to shoot during Parade of Lights. The motion, cheerful smile in the face of the subject and the colorful light trails across the frame will definitely make you say “Mas Alegre Ahora na Zamboanga.” ”

REGATTA DE ZAMBOANGA CATEGORY FINALSTS:

20. “Espejo na Mar”
Marlon Gonzalez (@marlongonzalez2015)
SM-G925F S6 Edge (ISO 40, 1/848, f/1.9)
“Mirror of the Sea.”


3. “Reflexion”
Aris A. Bellen (@TestTubeBaby24)
Nikon D7100 (ISO 1250, 1/100s, f/1.8)
“The afternoon rain did not stop the parade of lights from brightening up the streets of downtown Zamboanga with illuminated floats. There is something about the thousands of glittering lights, the veil of nighttime that almost makes this scene beautiful and really stand out especially in the reflection of water. It reminds us that like water which can clearly mirror anything so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.”


13. “Pequeña Sonrisa (Little Smile)”
Al-Rashed Ambutong (@mrshedd01)
Nikon D90 (ISO 200, 1/100s, f/5/6)
“The purest smile you can get from someone is a smile from a child. In this photo is a child beaming with an unscathed laughter seeing his father prepping for the competition not minding how stressful the activity was. The little smile this boy has can make anyone's heart jump for joy. Truly, it is more fun in Zamboanga City.”


1. “Carrera de Vintas”
Aris A. Bellen (@TestTubeBaby24)
Nikon D7100 (ISO 100, 1/400s, f/1.8)
“From the hundreds of vintas with their rainbow sails of all shapes and sizes about to participate in the annual sailboat race called Regatta de Zamboanga, nothing can stop this man from joining the tradition. Despite his old age, he remained true to who he has always been: the proud nomadic person, who watched over the infinite waters of Zamboanga.”


112. “Risas Y Riquezas”
Stephen Dale T. Dela Peña (@stephenddp)
Nikon (ISO 100, 1/500, F/1.8)
“The subject genuinely shows the “peace” sign as a symbol of tolerance and understanding despite of the diverse beliefs and culture the Zamboanga has. Hence, the photo depicts the contentment and real happiness, making the image genuine and full of colors.”


7. “Bless the Riders of the Colorful Vintas”
Andrei Rabon (@andreirabon)
Canon EOS 1300D (ISO 100, 1/1000, f/5.6)
“Go Forward! Stable and strong even the stormy waters will never stop their vintas sailing in the sea.”

STREETDANCE CATEGORY FINALSTS:

14. “Nothing Shakes a Culture of Smile”
Al-Rashed Ambutong (@mrshedd01)
Nikon D90 (ISO 200, 1/200s, f/13)
“Resiliency is one of the city's main ingredients why it has become one of the country's top performing cities. Even after the destruction brought by the infamous Zamboanga Seige, the people of zamboanga stood firm and moved forward towards where it is now - an economically feasible city. Zamboanga fought hard wearing the only shield they have: SMILE. No matter how hard those hurdles can be, nothing can beat a person with a pure smile and strong heart.”


25. “Bailando Con Pasion”
Roy Fernando (@roydfernando)
Canon EOS R (ISO 200, 1/8192, f/1.4)
“The girls are having fun dancing in the streets despite of the heat and distance to give tribute and devotion in the honor of the Lady of Pilar.”


36. “Muestra tu Cultura”
Jojo E. Lacerona (@joe_lacerona58) Huawei P20 Pro (ISO 100, 1/4000, f/1.8)
“ “Muestra tu Cultura” a Spanish term meaning to “show your culture”. Yakan culture is known for being talented, in terms of singing, instrument playing, weaving and dancing. The Yakan cultural dance shows the boldness of their ethnicity.”


38. “Pansak (Dance)”
Al-Qaam Kingking (@alqkk_15)
Nikon D5200
“Streetdancing competition is the most awaited activity in the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, because in this way they would be able to showcase the rich culture of Zamboanga City. One of the performers came from the indigenous inhabitants of the island province of Basilan, the Yakan. They are also known for being good dancers due to their traditional cycle of the rice production that is done through dancing with hand gestures and footwork stances.”


61. “Curva de Felicidad”
Gennel Jude N. Batacan (@batacangennel)
Nikon D3100 (ISO 720, 1/4000, f/5.3)
“The sexiest curve of our body is our smile. In life, I sometimes bend hoping not to break. Bends and zigzags are really common in life especially to us Zamboangueños. Yet we still choose to flash a smile bringing with us the crown of joy to face our battles in life.”


59. “Zamboangueños Con Sus Sonrisas”
Gennel Jude N. Batacan (@batacangennel)
Nikon D3100 (ISO 560, 1/4000, f/4.5)
“More than the colors, the smiles brings the energy and brightens the festivity. Despite the waves of troubles, the Zamboangueños manage to flash their brightest smiles as a sign of resilience and hope that there’s always joy that comes in the morning.”

VOTERS' CHOICE AWARD: via Hermosa App

180. “Autentico”
Stephen Dale T. Dela Peña (@stephenddp)
Nikon (ISO 100, 1/6400, f/1.8)
“The photo depicts the genuine smile of a Zamboangueño despite of the difficulties. As the regatta embarks, it was evident how blissful the banqueros were and how genuinely they participated.”

FIFTH PLACE: (Courtesy of Zamboanga Homestyle Depot and KCC Mall de Zamboanga)

19. “Cura el Alegria”
Marlon Gonzalez (@marlongonzalez2015)
Nikon D5100 (ISO 160, 1/800, f/4)
“Fresh looks, full of joy and excitement as they are about to perform on the street not just to compete but to spread cure to sadness.”

FOURTH PLACE: (Courtesy of Zamboanga Homestyle Depot and KCC Mall de Zamboanga)

158. “Malami”
Faizal J. Salih (@faizalsalih17)
Nikon D5300 (ISO 400, f/4.5)
“Definitely mean despite of all the criticism in our place, Zamboanga still manage the equilibrium of issues and happiness. Our beloved place continue to give us a colorful and bizarre festival that stands out nationwide.”

THIRD PLACE:

42. “Bienvenidos de Mar”
Jose Mari Katipunan (@jmkatipunan)
Nikon D5300 (ISO 640, 1/4000, f/4.5)
“ “Welcome to the sea. It calls her people to seize the salty breeze and receive her gifts.” This photograph is dedicated to the indigenous fishermen who sail at nights, to feed our days.”

SECOND PLACE:

69. “An Incredible Display of Elegance & Suppleness”
Zyzrzyl M. Labayog (@zehzerzel)
Sony a6000 (ISO 100, 1/4000, f/1.8)
“Like a swan gliding in a sparkling lake, the festival queen exudes poise and grace.”

FIRST PLACE:

100. “Those Contagious Smiles”
Joe-An E. Denaque (@kish_anne06)
Fuji X-T20 (ISO 800, 1/1000, f/5.6)
“Their contagious smile makes everyone else smile back.”

Congratulations to all winners and participants of this year's competition! Special thanks to our partners, Zamboanga Home Style Depot and KCC Mall de Zamboanga for the additional prizes and for hosting the exhibit, and Hermosa App, our official app. To view all entries, visit the Facebook page Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2019 here.